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WestJet announces July load factor of 76.4 per cent

CALGARY, Aug. 6 /CNW/ - WestJet today announced July traffic results with
a load factor of 76.4 per cent. Revenue passenger miles (RPM) decreased 4.5
per cent year over year and capacity, measured in available seat miles (ASM),
declined 0.4 per cent over the same period.
"We are encouraged by the number of people travelling on WestJet flights
this year, and we feel honoured that every year a greater percentage of
Canadians choose to fly with us," said Sean Durfy, WestJet President and CEO.
"Our Care-antee and trusted brand are critical in providing peace of mind and
a human touch to our guests in these uncertain times. Thank you to all of our
WestJetters for continuing to build and deliver on our great reputation every
day."
July 2009 traffic results
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July 2009 July 2008 Change
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Load factor 76.4% 79.7% (3.3 pts.)
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ASMs (billions) 1.552 1.558 (0.4%)
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RPMs (billions) 1.186 1.242 (4.5%)
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Year-to-date Year-to-date Change
2009 2008
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Load factor 78.0% 80.5% (2.5 pts.)
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ASMs (billions) 10.224 9.858 3.7%
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RPMs (billions) 7.973 7.939 0.4%
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In July, WestJet announced its largest-ever seasonal non-stop flight
schedule with eight new international destinations and three additional U.S.
destinations for the winter of 2009-2010. The new destinations are: Varadero,
Holguin and Cayo Coco, Cuba; Ixtapa and Cozumel, Mexico; St. Martin/St.
Maarten; Turks and Caicos; Freeport, Bahamas; Lihue (Kauai), Hawaii; Miami,
Florida; and Atlantic City, New Jersey. WestJet Vacations offers customized
vacation packages to all of WestJet's southern destinations, including these
new additions.
"Bookings into our 11 new sun-spot destinations this winter are
encouraging to date," added Sean Durfy. "With the added value that WestJet and
WestJet Vacations provide to our guests, we are confident that these new
additions to our network will be winners."
"We are always looking at ways to expand our value proposition for our
guests, and we are ecstatic about launching our new travel rewards credit card
prior to year-end," commented Sean Durfy. "We encourage people to wait and see
our card offering before making credit card choices and, when the card is
launched, to consider switching."
"For the third quarter of 2009, we are seeing revenue per available seat
mile (RASM) declines continuing at similar declines from the second quarter
year-over-year results. Although there have been some early indications that
the economy may be improving, the airline industry typically lags economic
improvement by six or more months," stated Sean Durfy. "As we move into the
second half of 2009, we are continuing to assess both our capacity and where
we deploy our aircraft."
This disclosure contains forward-looking statements including, but not
limited to, statements regarding WestJet's winter schedule, booking volume to
new destinations and the launch of WestJet's new travel rewards credit card
and projected RASM for the third quarter of 2009. These forward-looking
statements are based on WestJet's current assumptions and beliefs. However,
these forward-looking statements are subject to, and may be affected by,
numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond WestJet's control.
WestJet's results may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied
by, such statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these
differences include, but are not limited to: changes in consumer demand,
changes in fuel prices, general economic conditions, the competitive
environment, ability to reach definitive agreement with counterparties and
other factors described in WestJet's public reports and filings, which are
available on WestJet's profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements
are subject to change, and WestJet does not undertake to update, correct or
revise any forward-looking statements as a result of any new information,
future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's preferred airline, offering scheduled service
throughout its 66-city North American and Caribbean network. Named one of
Canada's most admired corporate cultures in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, WestJet
pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. WestJet offers increased legroom, leather
seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of
79 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for
an additional 42 aircraft, bringing its fleet to 121 by 2013, WestJet strives
to be the number one choice for travellers.